Human civilization generates an astonishing volume of waste each year — over 2 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste globally in 2020, a figure projected to soar to 3.8 billion tons by 2050
Managing this waste isn’t just a practical concern; it’s a mirror of our values and resilience. Ineffective handling imposes serious costs, not only in dollars but in environmental degradation, health crises, and social inequality.
According to the United Nations, current waste practices may drive the annual global cost of waste management to a staggering $640 billion by 2050, including impacts from climate change and pollution
Yet, the same report shows that transitioning to a circular economy (one that reduces waste generation and reuses materials) could shift this burden to a net economic gain of up to $108 billion per year
Food waste stands out as a type of waste we confront daily.
About 1/3 of food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted globally